As this time in Burundi draws near to its end, I just wanted to write this open letter to you.
First, thank you for letting your child come with us on this trip. It may not have been easy to agree to it (especially when looking at the FCO advice about Burundi?! - how wrong they are!), but I'm so glad you did. Alternatively, you may have been glad to have them out of your hair for a couple of weeks!
Your children have been a credit to you. They have shown maturity beyond their years and a level of maturity that befits their age too! They have been an integral part of this team and we have been blessed to have them with us. I know also that they have blessed many other people in these last two weeks. To see the response of the street children to Dan, Josh, Lorna, and Melody yesterday, you could tell that they'd had a positive impact.
Josh and Dan have been like surrogate brothers to each other and we have all enjoyed their banter. They both have wonderful senses of humour and have really helped keep team spirits up. It's been great to see their friendship grow, even if Josh doesn't enjoy Dan's cuddles. I also never knew Josh could talk so much! We've been checking his food for additives.
Lorna has been the quietly assured member of the team and she is able to take everything in her stride (even when I dropped her and Fee in it to "sing another song", which I hadn't run by them first, during the praise and worship service we were involved in).
Lorna is always ready with a smile (except when Dan throws rugby balls at her) and willing to get stuck in, even to the extent of teaching us Kung O'Fu (Pete C's description) which is a mash-up of Irish Dancing and Karate. You can also tell that she and Melody have male sibling(s). They are quite ready to put the boys in their place when necessary, although sometimes it's with a shaking head of despair.
Melody is a natural linguist and befriends people really easily. Often we've turned to her to ask how to say something in Kirundi. She too is not afraid to get stuck right in and is a great encourager.
I could go on about how valuable these four have been to the team. I know that your young people have grown immensely during these last two weeks. If you were to ask me exactly how, I'm not sure that I could put my finger on it as I've been with them along the way, but I know they've grown in confidence, maturity and in faith. I know you'll see a difference in them when they get back and they share their stories with you.
Again, thank you for letting Dan, Josh, Lorna, and Melody be a part of our team. You have every right to be incredibly proud of them.
Yours in Christ,
Matt
Thanks so much Matt - for this and for your investment in our (not so) young ones! And for the way you are leading the team with what looks from here like great fun and grace. You are all a credit to St Mary's.
ReplyDeleteFrom a proud Dad and Vicar (in that order). Much love to you all x
Matt, your post really made my day although that may not be what my fellow commuters thought as I read it on the train - Karen says it's my age. As Phil says, we really appreciate your support and guidance. Knowing you and the team have been there for the younger members of the team has made the separation almost bearable. I know they will all come back having grown as individuals and with stories to tell although with Dan we may have to wait a few years.
ReplyDeleteLove to you all. Steve x
We were pleased to lend Lorna to you for the last couple of weeks but we'd like her back now please. Cant imagine what Kung o'Fu looks like........Fiona
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